Alphonso Jackson

Alphonso Jackson (9 September 1945-) was the US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (R) from 31 March 2004 to 18 April 2008, succeeding Mel Martinez and preceding Steve Preston.

Biography
Alphonso Jackson was born in Marshall, Texas on 9 September 1945, and he grew up in south Dallas. He attended Truman State University and Washington University School of Law before taking part in the Selma to Montgomery marches during the Civil Rights movement. Jackson became a professor at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and he became involved in public safety as a Republican Party member. From 2001 to 2004, he served as Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, succeeding Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. and preceding Roy Bernardi. In 2004, he was nominated as the new SHUD by George W. Bush, and he reduced homelessness, increased minority contracting, and improved the department's efficiency. He resigned in 2008, and he was replaced by Steve Preston.